Whats a good BCD for me?

[divingjd]

Scuba Pro's Classic Plus is an excellent BC. I use one and like it a lot. The quality is very high, the wrap-around air cell gives you better control than jackets that center the air cell under your arms, it has good, well-positioned dump valves, and a great warranty. Damselfish has pointed out one of its principal weaknesses: it doesn't offer as many adjustments as some other BCs. This is because it has a true vest-style construction, which is what makes the wrap-around air cell possible, instead of the ajdustable shoulder straps you see on many other BCs. The shop I teach at uses various versions of the Scuba Pro Classic BCs as rental gear and we generally don't have trouble fitting people in them. I can see where it could be an issue, but it usually is not. If you have a good LDS, you should be able to try it out before you buy. Ask them if you can and make sure it fits well. If it does, it is hard to beat this BC.

 

[divingjd]

Thanks everyone for not converting this thread into a BP and Wings vs Jacket free-for-all.
At least so far.

Amen!

 

[SBP Studios]

Is there a certain model/brand you guys now of that is better for very big guys?

Im 6'2 310lbs and have a 54" chest. Anything in particular.

 

[dlndavid]

Knighthawks are a pretty open design, go to your LDS and try one on. If it fits good, buy it from them.

 

[divnamite]

How much weight do you need? One thing I'm not wild about weight-integrated BCDs is having 30-35# or maybe even on the BCD instead of weight belt. Since you are a big guy, out of water or climbing onto a boat can be a HUGE PITA. Anyway, I dive with ScubaPro classic, it's an excellent BC. My favorite scubapro BCD is the Classic Sports, it has no cumberbund, easy accessible D-rings. Ultra compact when traveling. But it's not weight integrated tho.

 

[SBP Studios]

I have no idea how much weight id need actually. Our first pool dive tis tomorrow so I guess ill be finding out alot more then. We travel ALOT so a lighter one was interesting but at the same time I really would like integrated weight system.

How much weight do you need? One thing I'm not wild about weight-integrated BCDs is having 30-35# or maybe even on the BCD instead of weight belt. Since you are a big guy, out of water or climbing onto a boat can be a HUGE PITA. Anyway, I dive with ScubaPro classic, it's an excellent BC. My favorite scubapro BCD is the Classic Sports, it has no cumberbund, easy accessible D-rings. Ultra compact when traveling. But it's not weight integrated tho.

 

[Halthron]

The most important features are fit and comfort in the water. Realistically, you shouldn't even know the BC is there when you're diving. Try to give it a try before buying. If you're tugging at it, if it floats up on you at the surface, etc. you should probably consider something else.

 

[Blitz]

This is probably going to be rehash(I couldn't be bothered to read the thread ) Try a couple of each style: BP/W, back float BC, jacket and then narrow it down to a style you like. After that look at you budget, desires and plans for diving. Shop around and try some out, you'll save money in the long run.

 

[Damselfish]

I have no idea how much weight id need actually. Our first pool dive tis tomorrow so I guess ill be finding out alot more then. We travel ALOT so a lighter one was interesting but at the same time I really would like integrated weight system.

Weight integration may add a tiny bit of weight and bulk to a BC, but not neccesarily that much, it's fine to travel with. The weights themselves of course you rent at your destination.